Index Astartes: Spectral Guard 2.0

[Brother Caleb]

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Brother-Sergeant Marcus Voth: 2nd Company, 6th Squad

D

uring the Twenty Fifth Founding, the order came down to the Crimson Fists’ 1st Company Captain to assemble a training cadre for a new chapter of the Astartes. Veteran Sergeant Munus Lacus was chosen to lead the fledgling chapter, a natural and largely expected choice. Over several decades Lacus had developed a pragmatic affinity and comfort with covert warfare not typical amongst his brothers until after the events on Rynn’s World. Lacus and his squad began their new duties right away, seeing this as a sign of The Emperor’s blessing on their tactical variations. Chapter-Master Lacus christened his brothers the Spectral Guard, for he imparted to them his exceptional prowess and preference for covert siege warfare. Once the Guard had been deemed operational, they took their first footsteps on their path to honor the memory of their Primarch and act as the Imperium's Praetorians.

The Guard settled in the Inermis System shortly after its founding. The chapter responded to a distress call from Inermis Prime, where the Guard employed Lacus’ brand of covert tactics to reinforce the planetary defense force. Ultimately, the marines defended Inermis Prime from certain annihilation under the weight of an Ork Waaagh! After breaking the siege, Lacus, and his honor guard met with the planetary governor, informing him that the Spectral Guard had decided to establish a base of operations within the system and the Chapter would immediately begin construction of their fortress-monastery on Inermis Prime itself. Lacus further notified the governor that he now served at the pleasure of the Spectral Guard. The chapter has controlled the system ever since.

Homeworld

I

nermis Prime is the largest planet in the Inermis System and one of the larger hiveworlds in the Segmentum Solar. The planet also holds the system’s seat of government in the administratum quarter of the one, all-encompassing continent. After working with the locals to rebuild the planetary defences, the marines constructed their monastery and a network of catacombs several kilometers underground. In the mind of the Chapter it is better to be prepared, for any environment, no matter how close to home, can swiftly become a battlefield. These tunnels open to the strategic parts of the city; one such entrance is inside the Shrine of the Fallen Guard dedicated to those who fell defending against the Waaagh! The Shrine has become a beacon of hope and protection in the lower hive; orphans and runaways have sought safety within its walls since its edification. Naturally, the Guard began recruiting those made hard and strong by life in the lower hive.

Known Expulsion Practices of Viridis Tribes

The more ferocious tribes regularly banish young warriors who do not perform their duties with sufficient brutality or they exile the children of defeated tribes. Some tribes employ their shamans to discern the fate of each new child. If the child receives an unfavorable prediction he is cast out. Other tribes trust in their ancestors to influence a primitive lottery that determines expulsion. Interestingly, a few tribes continually produce psykers in greater number than others. These children cause enormous stress for the tribe and are cared for to puberty and then forced from the tribe. Usually the tribe views them as a burden from its ancestors and raises them to atone for some dishonor. Once the tribe fulfills its duty, it removes the children and the dishonor they represent.

The tendrils of the Chapter have spread further than the surface of Inermis Prime, reaching Viridis, the massive green moon of the planet. Viridis maintains thick, harsh jungles throughout the equator and most of the surface, providing an adequate home for the resident predatory fauna and flora. Though the danger presented by the native life of the moon is great, the gravest threat is far more subtle. Deadly poisons secreted into the water by the plants can kill a man within a few heartbeats. The harsh environment and the moon’s large orbit motivated the Guard to construct a chapter-keep to provide an alternative training environment as well as a forward observation and intelligence hub. Beyond this, Viridis maintains a small but hardy tribal population around the temperate polar rings where rain water can be collected.

The scarcity of water continually drives conflict between the tribes, each of whom maintains their own particular methods of war and religion, although all Viridis tribes worship their ancestors. The tribes regularly solicit guidance and strength from their forefathers, especially when water claims flare. Success in war not only secures a future for the tribe but it also honors one’s bloodline. Though these are often fleeting, such is the brutal nature of the wars that ravage Viridis. To prevent the death of the tribe when its water holdings are strained too thin its leaders will expel some of its members and exile them into the jungle. This is a death sentence unless an exile can reach the chapter-keep deep within the jungle. If they survive the trek, they earn the right to join the Guard as marines or vassals. Such a journey is not taken voluntarily; beyond the fundamental commitment to tribe, the jungle holds many gruesome possibilities and no guarantees.

Beliefs

Excerpt: Munus Lacus Battle Journal

Jacen and Veros fell today. They proved their bravery to the very end. If they had not held back those forsaken automatons, we could not have broken their assault when they advanced. Reports came in that the local defense forces and other Imperial Guard units took heavy casualties, not to mention the loss of civilian life and infrastructure. They blame us for pulling back our support. They fail to realize that if we had not held the enemy from reaching the power manufactorum, the entire planet would be dark and lifeless. We sacrificed their brothers and ours to secure final victory and survival.

E

ach recruit sees induction as spiritually grafting themselves into the bloodline of Dorn and The Emperor, thus the former tribesmen view this as a sort of redemption from The Emperor. Through proper reverence to their ancestors they earn a place of honored rest by His side upon death. A large variety of personal beliefs and methods of worship is present within the chapter, almost mirroring the tribal culture of Viridis. As each squad forms, it retains its own unique method of invoking the blessing of the Primarch and The Emperor. The Spectral Guard believe they have inherited the role of Praetorian that was Dorn's. However, with the enthronement of the Emperor, they view their entirety of the Imperium as their protectorate. Lacus' pragmatic observation of life has not been lost of the centuries, his beliefs merging with that of the clans. Their careful footsteps on the battlefield ensure victory, the only true way to revere their ancestors.

Each sergeant maintains a detailed battle journal that chronicles the history of his squad, keeping a record of its specific heritage and honoring its fallen. The deeds of the dead are read after each battle to honor their brothers and commend them to their ancestors. The adoption of this tradition led to the exceptionally quick expansion chapter’s librarium. In fact, the Guard’s librarium surpassed that of most other Astartes chapters in only a few centuries.

Like their parent chapter, the Crimson Fists, the Spectral Guard keep a strict calendar of holy days, such as the Founding and the First Trial, when the chapter convenes at the Shrine of the Fallen Guard. On both occasions the chapter commemorates the achievements and failures of the past according to the Codex Astartes. While they usually limit their commemorations to their own history, on occasion they include the exploits and tragedies of the other “clans” of Dorn’s sons. This strong fraternal culture and focus on heritage caused the practice of keeping squad chronicles to take on greater significance to some within the Guard. It has been known for sergeants to even track the progenoid glands removed from fallen squad-brothers so that they can further identify a direct bloodline to their Primarch. Though this practice is not nearly as widespread, those who practice it view it as an expression of exceptional piety.

Combat Doctrine

Excerpt: PDF Company Commander Battle Report: Inermis Prime

All reports indicate that the marines dropped in from orbit and immediately began firing into the enemy lines. Apparently, each squad acted independently to reinforce our positions. Some reports from the front record them “moving as ghosts” from one weak point to another. Suddenly they disappeared completely from the battle, leaving our defenses exposed. After that several discrepancies emerge. One account has them ambushing the enemy once behind our lines, others have them striking at the last minute to hold the lines, and still others report that as the lines fell they showed themselves to draw fire away from our platoons, allowing them time to set up a proper crossfire. One thing is clear, their efforts ensured victory.

A

lthough the Spectral Guard largely follow the dictates of the Codex Astartes, they prefer and excel at stealth based defensive maneuvers. They employ ambushes, secretive defensive positions, and incremental withdraws, to bring death down on those who would harm The Emperor’s loyal citizens. Among the marines it is said that the best position a battle-brother can find himself is outflanking an unknowing opponent. The chapter frequently inserts troops covertly ahead of the main force to conceal their numbers and to catch the enemy in a deadly crossfire after they have advanced. Because of the focus on stealth, ambush tactics, and the strong trust required among the marines to utilize such tactics, scout training represents not only the beginning of a recruit’s training, but also the method of instilling the conceptual foundations of the chapter’s combat doctrine. Consequently, the chapter’s marines affectionately refer to the first section of scout training as “bait practice.” It has not gone unnoticed by the Guard that the tactics that earned their Chapter’s favoured master grief from his brothers has now become the standard for the Crimson Fists.

The Spectral Guard trust the instincts of the marines in the field over the decisions of isolated officers void of real context. This trust is a heavy burden they bear with courage and integrity. Often squads find themselves cut off from the Chapter for extended periods, meaning they must achieve their goals without resupply or support. This experience is invaluable as the chapter relies heavily on squad level tactics, meaning that the specifics of a given mission’s parameters are largely left to the sergeant charged with its completion. This forges each command officer into a very capable and reliable leader in all fields of battle. Whether commissioned to infiltrate ahead and cripple a rogue human force through scare tactics or ordered to hold an open field in the face of the green tide; these men know how to use the strengths of their squad and the environment to get the job done.

Organization

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/khutchison/blewettcrest-1.jpg

Shoulder Heraldry

T

he Chapter uses the standard ten company organization, and diligently follows the holy Codex Astartes in so far as a chapter can. However, the tradition of promoting squads instead of individuals represents the only significant deviance. The Chapter does this because its recruits view their units as their new family or tribe. The brothers recruited from the Shrine do not adopt this view as quickly as the others, but they usually come around after only a few years. This plus the extensive training in isolation the recruits receive as scouts solidifies the fraternal bonds all the more. Obviously this custom has its limits, but the majority of marines have remained in the same squad most of their lives. Some captains still have original scout-brothers in their command squad.

The most obvious of these limits is the toll of war. Most squads’ numbers eventually drop beyond combat capacity. When this happens, it falls on the sergeant to seek out another squad to combine with. Honor duels of varying, non-lethal types determines who assumes leadership of the new squad, for only the through consistent victory can one honor Dorn and prove his right to lead. The chaplain presiding over the contest determines the victor and invests him with command of the new squad. The loser must spend several days in a meditation chamber and contemplate the choice before him. He may accept his new place in the squad and continue to fight alongside his comrades, as the vast majority of brothers do, or he may sever his ties and take a permanent position in the Tenth Company training scouts, instructing them not only in covert warfare, but also in brotherhood. However, only those who have lost their entire squad have ever chosen this fate, such is the camaraderie among squad-mates.

Gene Seed

L

ike all of Dorn’s sons, the marines of the Spectral Guard lack the Betcher gland and the Sus-an membrane. However, unlike most of Dorn’s progeny the Guard does not exhibit stubbornness that tends to categorize their brothers. The lack of this common trait has resulted in some brothers stating the marines of the Chapter are not worthy to be called sons of Dorn and are indeed cowards in the face of the enemy. However, the Chapter has proved its collective faith and courage on the battlefield many times. In spite of these accusations, the Imperium does not question the Guard’s bravery. Needless to say, the Chapter has yet to receive its invitation to the Feast of Blades.

Battle Cry

T

he Spectral Guard’s focus on stealth does hinder the use of a battle cry somewhat. However, once the element of surprise is lost or no longer useful, the Guard fills the air with a constant responsive chant:

“The Emperor strengthens…”
“Dorn protects!”

This chant also serves as the standard farewell for the chapter and its vassals. Since the defense of Inermis Prime, the farewell has slowly worked its way into the common vernacular of the system. This speaks volumes about how closely the Guard works with the local citizenry.

[soddinnutter]

Would not have them as a founding off the Crimson Fists. The CF can't spare the numbers. Have them as Imperial Fist successors that share the same ideology of the CF.

[Sigismund Himself]

Would not have them as a founding off the Crimson Fists. The CF can't spare the numbers. Have them as Imperial Fist successors that share the same ideology of the CF.

Note that the invasion of the Crimson Fists' homeworld took place really recently in the 40k timeline. Successors from before this would work perfectly well.

 

Right now, the theme you're using is a little thin. All you've got is tactics. We need to know more about their mindset and beliefs, as this is really what sets a chapter apart from the other 999 out there :P

[Brother Caleb]

Right now, the theme you're using is a little thin. All you've got is tactics. We need to know more about their mindset and beliefs, as this is really what sets a chapter apart from the other 999 out there :P

Absolutely. I tried to get the mindset down with the zealous but pragmatic. However, for the beliefs I don't have any preconceived points that I want to put in. So, I thought I would let them develop organically from the write up and then tweak.

 

Perhaps a assassination/stealth warrior cult that part or all of the chapter really gets involved with, since they still received Dorn's zealous tendencies. We'll see. This might further direct them to reach out with their aggressive operations, such as assassinating rogue planetary governors before they have a chance to endanger a planet or its people.

 

Thanks Sigismund.

[UltimateJake]

Right now, the theme you're using is a little thin. All you've got is tactics. We need to know more about their mindset and beliefs, as this is really what sets a chapter apart from the other 999 out there :huh:

Absolutely. I tried to get the mindset down with the zealous but pragmatic. However, for the beliefs I don't have any preconceived points that I want to put in. So, I thought I would let them develop organically from the right up and then tweak.

 

Perhaps a assassination/stealth warrior cult that part or all of the chapter really gets involved with, since they still received Dorn's zealous tendencies. We'll see. This might further direct them to reach out with their aggressive operations, such as assassinating rogue planetary governors before they have a chance to endanger a planet or its people.

 

Thanks Sigismund.

 

Remember beliefs only make half of the chapter. You need culture in your chapter. Most people base some of their chapters on ancient cultures. But, this can be over done so I try to find a balance. I would recommend the same to, make your chapter based on something you find inspiration from.

[ChaplainMathreyn]

And that a 9 foot tall, 200+ pound being of solid muscle and genetic mutation, wearing hundreds of pounds worth of armor and weaponry prolly Isn't going to be assassinating anybody anytime soon...

[Brother Caleb]

And that a 9 foot tall, 200+ pound being of solid muscle and genetic mutation, wearing hundreds of pounds worth of armor and weaponry prolly Isn't going to be assassinating anybody anytime soon...

Valid. I was think more for initiation and scout training, but that may even be stretching.

[ChaplainMathreyn]

Remember, even though Raven Guards et al. their Successors are described as "Stealthy", they aren't ninja... They are speedy, and strike without warning, but they aren't shuking about in the shadows, using silented weaponry to decapitate xenos command... Other than "terror tactics", and really, can you "terrify" a Chaos Marine, or an Eldar, Spectral sounds alot like "ancestor worship"... Just sayin... B)

 

I won't echo what others have said, although the Chapter does, indeed lack focus (Although the name is bitchingly cool, I must say! :lol: )

[Brother Caleb]

Remember, even though Raven Guards et al. their Successors are described as "Stealthy", they aren't ninja... They are speedy, and strike without warning, but they aren't shuking about in the shadows, using silented weaponry to decapitate xenos command... Other than "terror tactics", and really, can you "terrify" a Chaos Marine, or an Eldar, Spectral sounds alot like "ancestor worship"... Just sayin... ^_^

 

I won't echo what others have said, although the Chapter does, indeed lack focus (Although the name is bitchingly cool, I must say! B) )

Excellent points.

 

I'm going less for stealth for terror and and more stealth for tactical advantage, simply motivated by "see but don't be seen" mentality :ph34r: . I will work to clarify this in the IA. The description, "speedy, and strike without warning," is exactly what I'm looking for, but with a focus on defense.

 

Few chapters excel at defense and none, I don't think, do so with stealth. Trying to create and fill a niche. ^_^

 

Also, developing cohesion is of the elements is the main priority for the IA, some of my notes may not make the IA.

 

Whatever happens, the name definitely stays :D

 

Thanks Chap. Mathreyn

[ChaplainMathreyn]

... Ah... Nice potential conflict there... A Chapter who bares their chest and rushes towards an enemy to slaughter them (ala Black Templars), versus, slowly retreating, setting booby traps/ambushes/etc. would be cool to hear about... What a "cowardly" Chapter, you have, eh? B)

 

... Although, there Always needs to be a good reason Why... Did they suffer alot of casualties during their first engagement, and, suffering from That trauma, have tailored their tactics? Do the people of their world simply specialize in hunting, and the skillset has carried over to the Chapter?

 

Now, pragmatism would be a cool hook... Why Didn't they save that stranded Guard line? Because the prudent course of action was to destroy the Ork base, not save the Guardsmen/civilians/whomever... You'd have some cool conflicts there, potentially.

 

Also... Is the name JUST a reference to them being, all sneaky like.... You should think about tieing the name in with your fluff, too; The term 'spectral' gives you a good amount of leeway, I think...

 

Good luck!

[Brother Caleb]

Quick fluff question: Does/can every Dorn chapter participate in the Feast of Blades or is it confined to just Imperial Fists successors?

[Sigismund Himself]

Your chapter is still classed as Imperial Fist successors because their geneseed is of that Legion's line. So yes, the Spectral Guard can participate in the Feast of Blades. I can't remember the exact details of the Feast but IIRC there's only about 12 or 13 chapters involved.

[Brother Emund]

... Ah... Nice potential conflict there... A Chapter who bares their chest and rushes towards an enemy to slaughter them (ala Black Templars), versus, slowly retreating, setting booby traps/ambushes/etc. would be cool to hear about... What a "cowardly" Chapter, you have, eh? :rolleyes:

My thoughts exactly!! ;)

I believe that SM Chapters are offensive tools, and should be used as such... they are afterall, very good at it! Skulking about in the shadows like the (coughs and spits) Alpha Legion just ain't cricket

Apart from that... keep up the good work...

[Brother Caleb]

... Ah... Nice potential conflict there... A Chapter who bares their chest and rushes towards an enemy to slaughter them (ala Black Templars), versus, slowly retreating, setting booby traps/ambushes/etc. would be cool to hear about... What a "cowardly" Chapter, you have, eh? :)

My thoughts exactly!! :)

I believe that SM Chapters are offensive tools, and should be used as such... they are afterall, very good at it! Skulking about in the shadows like the (coughs and spits) Alpha Legion just ain't cricket

Apart from that... keep up the good work...

Keep in mind that I'm not suggesting the manning of static defenses for centuries at a time. I'm attempting to create a chapter who's specialty is covert defenses. They still train and engage the enemy according to the Codex Astartes, but their defining tactics, their bread'n'butter if you willl, and character revolve around seeing themselves as defenders.

 

I will work to clarify this in the IA.

 

Thanks,

[Brother Caleb]

Your chapter is still classed as Imperial Fist successors because their geneseed is of that Legion's line. So yes, the Spectral Guard can participate in the Feast of Blades. I can't remember the exact details of the Feast but IIRC there's only about 12 or 13 chapters involved.

So there are IF successors who do not participate. I wonder how a chapter could get work its way into the festivities? If it could be done, that would be a nice plot point to show the uneasiness between the Guards and their more stubborn brothers. :P

[ChaplainMathreyn]

I was always under the impression that the Feast was By Invite only... But, then again... I Could... Could, be Wrong... Pssh.... But that usually is never the case... I mean... Ahem.

[Brother Caleb]

I was always under the impression that the Feast was By Invite only... But, then again... I Could... Could, be Wrong... Pssh.... But that usually is never the case... I mean... Ahem.

I guess the Guards' invite got lost in the mail :P

[Brother Caleb]

Do the Crimson Fists practice the honor duels like the Imperial Fists? That would make a great plot driver.

[Brother Caleb]

Also, can anyone give me a rough date for the The Battle for Rynn's World? If I understand the CF history article correctly this is the campaign that severely reduced the chapter's numbers. I need to pick a founding before this but as recent as possible because I'd like to still have the first acting Chapter Master alive and kicking.

[Grand Master Tyrak]

Do the Crimson Fists practice the honor duels like the Imperial Fists? That would make a great plot driver.

 

I'm pretty sure the Crimson Fists do (or did) participate in the Feast of Blades. That wouldn't make it too far-fetched for them to still be practising honour duels in private.

 

Or you could take a simpler route and just bring in honour duelling from your homeworld culture.

[Brother Caleb]

Also, can anyone give me a rough date for the The Battle for Rynn's World? If I understand the CF history article correctly this is the campaign that severely reduced the chapter's numbers. I need to pick a founding before this but as recent as possible because I'd like to still have the first acting Chapter Master alive and kicking.

 

If the campaign is as recent as it sounds I could probably get away with 23rd or 24th Founding, right?.

 

I'm pretty sure the Crimson Fists do (or did) participate in the Feast of Blades. That wouldn't make it too far-fetched for them to still be practising honour duels in private.

 

Or you could take a simpler route and just bring in honour duelling from your homeworld culture.

 

I haven't decided if I want it in the Guard but I thought I could use it during the time prior to the formation of the Guard while the training cadre is still with the Fists.

[Brother Caleb]

IA up and formatted.

 

Enjoy and critique,

[Brother Caleb]

I'm hoping this chapter eventually makes it to the Librarium, so any conceptual or grammatical insight would be appreciated.

[Sigismund Himself]

A quick pointer from me :)

 

Unfortunately, it seems that you've fallen into a pitfall that most first time DIYers end up in. This is that the focus of the article is on the first Chapter Master. In this case, you've used up 1000 words describing him before the chapter is even created. You could cut that down to simply one or two sentences (I can demonstrate if needed). By focusing on the first Chapter Master, you take away from the actual chapter. Remember that an IA is meant to be the overview of your chapter and shouldn't go into huge depth on too many events. In this case, you've spent too much time on the first Chapter Master and probably also on their first engagement as a chapter. These bits need to be trimmed back so the chapter's themes can really shine through.

 

Hopefully this helps you on your way to the Librarium.

[Brother Caleb]

A quick pointer from me :(

 

Unfortunately, it seems that you've fallen into a pitfall that most first time DIYers end up in. This is that the focus of the article is on the first Chapter Master. In this case, you've used up 1000 words describing him before the chapter is even created. You could cut that down to simply one or two sentences (I can demonstrate if needed). By focusing on the first Chapter Master, you take away from the actual chapter. Remember that an IA is meant to be the overview of your chapter and shouldn't go into huge depth on too many events. In this case, you've spent too much time on the first Chapter Master and probably also on their first engagement as a chapter. These bits need to be trimmed back so the chapter's themes can really shine through.

 

Hopefully this helps you on your way to the Librarium.

At least I didn't invent a new way to mess up. :)

 

I guess I was too focused on showing how the Guard isn't a typical Dorn chapter.

 

Thanks for the tip,